Tuscaloosa area officials addressing severe weather threat, several shelters open

Emergency responders across Tuscaloosa County are making sure the area is prepared for the threat of severe weather.

Officials at both Tuscaloosa City Hall and the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency began monitoring the situation during the early morning hours Wednesday. They say this will continue until the severe threat has left the area.

Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Rob Robertson encourages citizens not to become complacent in their severe weather planning, especially during this time of year, when threats can be more frequent. “We just want to make sure folks are paying attention today,” Robertson said.

“That’s the main thing you can do. Think through your plan, if you have to get to your safe place quickly, think through that now. Just make sure you’re ready to go, stay weather aware through today.”

Robertson also encouraged residents of Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport to sign up for the new TuscAlert weather notification system. Find more details online at tuscalert.com.

City of Tuscaloosa spokesperson Deidre Stalnaker said the Tuscaloosa 311 information line would remain open until the severe weather threat has ended.

Also, as of Wednesday morning, the City of Tuscaloosa says five public shelters in Tuscaloosa are open. Pets are not allowed.